Pole weight and method for filling the same

ABSTRACT

Disclosed are a pole weight device and method of filling a weighting enclosure, comprising an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the device comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.

FIELD

The present invention generally relates to pole weights. More particularly, the present invention relates to a filling method and a pole weight comprising a chambered enclosure including an integrated funnel portion, to facilitate the filling of the enclosure with dense media.

BACKGROUND

Filling enclosures with sand or other media to create a weight is well known. For example U.S. Pat. No. 2,616,467 to Cicero and U.S. Pat. No. 2,669,272 to Permann both disclose enclosures for filling with sand to create a weight. Such a weight can be used for weighting farm implements or vehicles, for creating temporary levies to hold back flood water, for weighting objects to secure them from the elements, or for other purposes.

The shape of these enclosures conforms to the use intended. For example in Permann, the enclosure is made for easy handling and includes external straps to secure the sand-filled enclosure in place within farm implements. In Cicero, the enclosure is long and narrow and is designed to fit easily in the trunk of a vehicle. The filled enclosure in Cicero is intended for the dual purpose of providing weight over the drive wheels of the vehicle for better traction, and a vessel for sand, in the event that sand was required to be sprinkled under the drive wheel for added traction.

In many cases the shape of a media-fillable enclosure is such that filling the enclosure with sand or other media is difficult. A long and narrow enclosure, for example, would typically be filled from an end, and the end opening on such a structure would typically be small and difficult to access. Further, a typical prior art enclosure would be of a unitary shape, that is, a cylinder or cuboid-type shape. Such shapes have limited adaptability to diverse tasks that might require such a weight. Therefore, remains a need for an improved pole weight device, method and system.

SUMMARY

The present invention addresses certain deficiencies discussed above by providing a pole weight device and method that includes an integrated funnel structure to assist in filling the enclosure. In one aspect, the weight comprises a body defining a first chamber. The first chamber includes a closed bottom, closed sides and an upwardly facing open top. The funnel can extend outwardly from the open top in a deployed position and can fold inside of the chamber in the retracted position. A closure can be disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top. A single or a plurality of chambers can be defined in the body, each with its own integral funnel. The chambers can be of any desired shape and size. A closure can be provided to the opening in the chamber.

The detailed technology and preferred embodiments implemented for the subject invention are described in the following paragraphs accompanying the appended drawings for people skilled in this field to well appreciate the features of the claimed invention. It is understood that the features mentioned hereinbefore and those to be commented on hereinafter may be used not only in the specified combinations, but also in other combinations or in isolation, without departing from the scope of the present invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 2 FIG. 1 is a front view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a side view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is a side view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 5 is a side view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention showing a pole secured thereto.

FIG. 6 is a top view of a tent pole weight according to an example embodiment of the invention secured to a tent pole.

While the invention is amenable to various modifications and alternative forms, specifics thereof have been shown by way of example in the drawings and will be described in detail. It should be understood, however, that the intention is not to limit the invention to the particular example embodiments described. On the contrary, the invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents, and alternatives falling within the scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following descriptions, the present invention will be explained with reference to various example embodiments; nevertheless, these embodiments are not intended to limit the present invention to any specific example, environment, application, or particular implementation described herein. Therefore, descriptions of these example embodiments are only provided for purpose of illustration rather than to limit the present invention.

Referring to FIGS. 1-3, a dual chambered pole weight 100 is shown. The pole weight comprises a container body 101 having a closed bottom 102 and open top 103. First 104 and second 106 interior compartments are defined in the body 102 by sealing opposing interior surfaces of the body together. In this manner, a first seal or margin 108, extending vertically from the closed bottom 102 to the open top 103, defines a generally cylindrical, vertically oriented, compartment 104. A second compartment 106 is formed in a similar manner by a second seal or margin 110. Additional compartments can be formed in the same manner. A bottom panel can also be provided to seal the bottom of each chamber to provide a generally flat surface when filled with media.

A single seal can be provided in al alternative embodiment, which would thus define first and second compartments on either side of the seal. The compartments can be of any desired shape and size (or multiple different shapes/sizes on the same body) without departing from the scope of the invention. The sealed portion can also define a width to create a separation distance between adjacent compartments. Thus the body 101 can be at least partially wrapped around a vertical pole as will be explained later herein. The width of the separation distance can be varied to accommodate a variety of pole diameters. The separation distance can be uniform or non-uniform.

A portion of the body extending generally upwardly from each compartment forms an integral funnel 112. The funnel functions to permit ease of filling of the compartment with fill media, such as sand, rock earth, other, or combinations of materials. The funnel is generally flexible and can be folded into the compartment when the compartment has been filled to the desired level.

The interface between the funnel and the respective compartment can be provided with a closure 114. For example, a drawstring 115, elastic band or other closure means to partially or fully close the open top of the enclosure can be utilized.

A portion of the body, such as for example, the top portion of the sealing section 116 can be provided with a hook or loop 118. The loop permits the container 100 to be hung or suspended from various structures, including ropes, chains, hooks, poles and portions of a tent. The loop is also useful for storing the container 100 by hanging it up.

A strap 120 can be disposed on or in the sidewalls of the container body 101. The strap 120 permits the user to secure one end portion of the body to the opposing end portion of the body. Thus, a pole or other object can be generally surrounded by the body. In one example embodiment, a hook portion of a hook and loop fastener is attached to the outer surface portion of one or both of the compartments adjacent the ends of the body. This portion extends in a generally horizontal direction. The corresponding loop portion of the hook and loop fastener is secured to the opposing container sidewall adjacent the opposing end of the body (or across both opposing hook portions), and again extends outwardly in a generally horizontal direction.

In a further alternative, a single hook and loop fastener strap can be secured to one end of the body, extending outwardly therefrom, and a ring can be secured to the opposing end edge of the container outer surface. The strap is inserted through the ring and then folded back on itself and secured, thereby retaining the opposing ends in close proximity to one another.

Referring to FIG. 2, the funnel 112 is folded into second chamber 106. The closure then can be used to close opening the opening 122 at the top of the chamber once the chamber is filled with the desired volume of media.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4, the container 100 can seen in a side view. FIG. 3 shows the funnel 112 in the extended position. FIG. 4 shows the funnel 112 in a retracted position. The dashed lines shown in FIG. 4 indicate the funnel 112 retracted into the chamber. A drawstring closure 114 can be seen on FIG. 4. Pulling the tab on the end of the drawstring cinches the upper compartment opening 122 generally closed. The drawstring can be disposed in the material of the container body adjacent the perimeter of the opening 122. A retainer or clip can be provided the drawstring to prevent retraction of the string, thereby keeping the opening in the closed position. The drawstring can be either elastic or inelastic.

Referring to FIG. 5, the container body 101 is shown secured to a tent pole 124. In this embodiment, the container comprises a single compartment. The pole 124 is inserted vertically through a vertically oriented sleeve 125 disposed on the outside of the body 101. Alternatively, the pole 125 can be secured to the body with one or more straps.

Referring to FIG. 6, the opposing ends, edges or surfaces 126 and 128 of a multi-compartment body are brought into close proximity, thereby disposing the pole 124 in a pocket 130 defined inside of the folded container. The compartments corresponding to the opposing edges or surfaces 126, 128 can be secured to one another with a fastening strap 120 as described herein in order to capture the pole.

One or more carry handles can also be provided on the body. For example, a single bucket-style handle can be provided to allow for one-hand carrying by a single person. In another example, a handle can be provided to the outsides of the outermost chambers to facilitate two-person carrying.

The container can be useful in weighting down or securing a tent or a portion of a tent such as a pole. In such application, the bottom of the container can rest on the base platform of the pole, if present, or can be suspended from the corner of the tent by a rope. One or more hooks or loops disposed on the body can facilitate the suspension from a rope or hook.

The weight of the container can be adjusted by the type and amount of fill placed in the compartments.

The enclosures can be non-uniform shapes to facilitate variable levels of fill and different weights with the same body configuration.

The pole weight of the present invention and the method of filling described herein can be utilized with other container types and can be employed for other uses, without departing from the scope of the invention.

The integral funnel facilitates the easer of filling the compartments and cannot be lost because it is integral. Also, in embodiments where the funnel is flexible, the funnel can be folded into its respective compartment, which can assist in the retaining of the media in the compartment because the funnel portion can cover part of the opening.

The container 100 can be formed of a variety of suitable materials without departing from the scope of the invention. One such material is heavy-gauge nylon.

The body can define one, two, three, or a greater number of chambers. More than two chambers is particularly useful to fold the body around poles or other objects having a larger diameter.

The above disclosure is related to the detailed technical contents and inventive features thereof. People skilled in this field may proceed with a variety of modifications and replacements based on the disclosures and suggestions of the invention as described without departing from the characteristics thereof. Nevertheless, although such modifications and replacements are not fully disclosed in the above descriptions, they have substantially been covered in the following claims as appended.

For purposes of interpreting the claims for the present invention, it is expressly intended that the provisions of Section 112, sixth paragraph of 35 U.S.C. are not to be invoked unless the specific terms “means for” or “step for” are recited in a claim. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A container apparatus, comprising: a body defining a first chamber, the chamber including a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top; a funnel extending outwardly from the open top, the funnel configured to fold inside of the chamber; and a closure disposed at the interface of the funnel and open top.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body further defines a second chamber disposed adjacent the first chamber, the second chamber including a closed bottom, closed sides and an open top.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the first and second chambers are laterally spaced apart by a separation distance.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising a hook extending upwardly beyond the open top.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the closure is an elastic drawstring.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the body comprises a flexible nylon fabric.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising an attachment strap disposed on the body.
 8. A tent pole weight, comprising: A body defining at least two generally cylindrical chambers, each generally vertically oriented, and each chamber including a first end and a second end, wherein the first end is closeable and the second end is closed; and a collapsible funnel integrated on the closeable first end of each chamber and configured in a deployed state to allow particle communication between the funnel and chamber in an open position; the collapsible funnel further configured to be contained within the chamber when not deployed and when the first end is in a closed position.
 9. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein each chamber is laterally spaced apart from an adjacent chamber by a uniform distance.
 10. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a drawstring provided each of the first ends of the compartments, the drawstring configured to at least partially close each respective compartment when drawn outward from the body.
 11. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising a hook extending upwardly beyond the first end.
 12. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an elastic closure disposed generally at the first end, the elastic closure configured to selectively close or open the first end to the flow of particles.
 13. The apparatus of claim 8, wherein the body comprises a flexible nylon fabric.
 14. The apparatus of claim 8, further comprising an attachment strap disposed on the body.
 15. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the attachment strap is generally horizontally oriented.
 16. The apparatus of claim 14, wherein the attachment strap includes a hook and loop fastener.
 17. A method of weighting down a tent pole, comprising introducing fill material through a first funnel portion of a container body; transmitting the fill material through the first funnel into a first chamber in the body through an opening in the chamber; folding the first funnel into the first chamber through the opening in the first chamber without removing the first funnel from the body; and closing the first chamber by actuating a first closure provided to the opening in the first chamber.
 18. The method of claim 17, further comprising: introducing fill material through a second funnel portion of the container body; transmitting the fill material through the second funnel into a second chamber in the body through an opening in the second chamber; folding the second funnel into the second chamber through the opening without removing the second funnel from the body; and closing the second chamber by actuating a second closure provided to the opening in the second chamber.
 19. The method of claim 18, further comprising: Spacing the first chamber apart from the second chamber to define a separation distance so that a pole can be at least partially captured between the first and second chambers; and restraining the movement of the first chamber with respect to the second chamber.
 20. The method of claim 17, further comprising drawing a drawstring outwards to close the opening in the first chamber. 